Is this an eating disorder? My dr. just ignores my complaints.

[jhvw2000]

I was diagnosed with crohns disease in my late teens. It never effected my drinking really, just had to take alot of pills. Now in my later 20's it's hurting ALOT more, they won't give me any pain meds because of my history of abuse...and I'm visiting the toilet more than 10 times a day.

to the point...I hate to eat. I hate to have to put food in my mouth because I know what it will feel like before it comes out. Back when I was drinking I wouldn't eat, I guess I just survived off all the calories from alcohol and the mix of substances I was abusing. I'm down to 140 again now, as a 6'1 male. I look terrible, I am a skeleton. My GI has me drinking 4-5 500 calorie ensure's a day but they aren't putting pounds on me, and they make me puke. Otherwise he doesn't seem to care. If I don't get it up I have to go into the hospital and get a gastric tube put down my nose to get me nourishment.

I'm just so f****** frustrated. I got sober and clean and all these problems just seem to get worse. I thought things were supposed to get better when I got sober. Instead everything is falling apart, especially my body.

I just don't want to eat. I don't want to see food, smell food, taste, chew, or otherwise have anything to do with it. I can't seem to get any help with my dr's on this. I'm just getting so F****** mad these days.....

[Nina Kay]

Welcome jhvw to the eating disorders forum. As I'm sure you know, Crohns Disease is a very serious lifetime disease like diabetes is. It is definitely affected by everything that you eat or drink and if you don't eat or drink it can also cause problems. My own personal opinion here is that you should find a new doctor as soon as possible. One that specializes in gastrointestinal diseases, if possible. It might even be a good thing to let them go ahead and put you into the hospital to get you stabilized. They would probably set you up with some classes to learn more about how to live with your disease and they would probably set you up with a nutrionist too, especially if you asked about it, which would be very wise to do. Without taking care of your problems, you will have many health complications that will continue to snowball throughout your life.

As for an eating disorder, I would say that you are more like having fall-out problems from your disease. But if you don't get things under control soon, it could very well turn into an eating disorder, which will extremely complicate your already difficult to live with and deal with, disease. I really do believe that it could soon cost you your very life if you don't seek help soon and be determined to do whatever it takes to get and stay as healthy as possible.

I hope that you'll keep coming back to keep us up on how you're doing and to share your experiences, while learning from others here by reading the posts. Maybe others will be along soon to share with you as well.

[Bamboozle]

Please get a new doctor, jhvw. And keep posting updates.

[jhvw2000]

Originally Posted by Nina Kay

Welcome jhvw to the eating disorders forum. As I'm sure you know, Crohns Disease is a very serious lifetime disease like diabetes is. It is definitely affected by everything that you eat or drink and if you don't eat or drink it can also cause problems. My own personal opinion here is that you should find a new doctor as soon as possible. One that specializes in gastrointestinal diseases, if possible. It might even be a good thing to let them go ahead and put you into the hospital to get you stabilized. They would probably set you up with some classes to learn more about how to live with your disease and they would probably set you up with a nutrionist too, especially if you asked about it, which would be very wise to do. Without taking care of your problems, you will have many health complications that will continue to snowball throughout your life.

As for an eating disorder, I would say that you are more like having fall-out problems from your disease. But if you don't get things under control soon, it could very well turn into an eating disorder, which will extremely complicate your already difficult to live with and deal with, disease. I really do believe that it could soon cost you your very life if you don't seek help soon and be determined to do whatever it takes to get and stay as healthy as possible.

I hope that you'll keep coming back to keep us up on how you're doing and to share your experiences, while learning from others here by reading the posts. Maybe others will be along soon to share with you as well.

That's great advice. I was seeing a GI dr. for the past 2 years but he is basically useless. Now I'm pursuing ones that are 60 miles away, but it's definitely worth it. I'm not on the right track. I know this is a lifetime illness, what almost makes me sick is for so long I thought it was just because I was drinking every moment I was awake, and how it could have made this disease worse. Alot of guilt there, but I'm working on it, what's done is done, do what I can for now. The timing just couldn't have been worse with other events in my life/living situation.

I'm afraid this has gotten to the point of an eating disorder, besides my chron's meds it still hurts to eat so much I'd rather just drink ensure. It sounds horrible to say but it's like life went more to hell when I quit drinking andy body fell apart, but again that was my own doing probably.......

[Neagrm]

jh, it does sound like you need a new gi with a Crohn's specialty. Many gi's unfortunately, still don't know much about CD (Crohn's Disease) and it does make a difference who you get.

It also helps to research and learn as much as you can about the latest info on the condition ... so you can know you're getting the best treatment for your situation and also know the questions to ask the dr. A good doctor will collaborate with you and listen to your ideas/questions. It's not an exact science and CD affects each person differently.

When I'm in a Crohn's flare, as it sounds you are, I cannot eat either. I go into a different place mentally and physically. A lot of your mental and physical symptoms are because you are sick with a flare. There is good help and support for Crohn's now and you don't need to go through it alone.

That's great you're checking out other doctors. Don't give up. A good doctor, good medical support, makes a huge difference. Also, a good primary care gp or internist can be excellent help. Sometimes my gp is easier to see and is good with supportive therapies.

Hang in there. You can get the help you need and feel much better.

[mxchaos]

have you seen a nutritionists?? or asked about what foods are generally less irritable?? my cousin has chron's and certain foods make him flare up.

As for the eating disorder I'm not sure you have one in the classic sense and it makes sense that if you eat and hurt you wouldn't want to eat. who would.

keep searching you'll find a way back to health it just may take sometime.